from what i understand, if you get a 5 speed out of an f-150 with the 5.0 then it will move the shifter around two inches forward, making it near impossible to use. Also, iirc you can get the 5spd out of an f-150 from 97-02? maybe and it will be what you need, since this transmission will keep the shifter in the same place, but will also bolt up to the 302. Yes, the 5.0 out of the explorer is the easiest to use, but you will have to do some custom work to keep the manual, but i'm not sure about the wiring. Sorry if this is really jumbled up but i hope i was of some help.